MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL .
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT.NO. 8
SIMI VALLEY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
SIMI VALLEY PUBLIC FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY
SIMI VALLEY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Simi Valley, California December 4, 2023
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:00 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC STATEMENTS: Having no public statements, the City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Public Employee Performance Evaluation (CC)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957{b){1 ):
Title: City Manager
( 1) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9{d){1):
One ( 1) Matter
Name of Case: Southland Watch v. City of Simi Valley, et al.
Case No.: VCSC Case No. Case No. 56-2022-00573170-CU-BC-VTA CALLED TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
CLOSED SESSION REPORTS: City Attorney Ford stated there was no reportable action as a result of the Closed Session meeting held ori December 4, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Brandee Townsend Ruedy
Note: If this is a joint meeting of the City Council and Boards of Directors, the applicable entity is identified at the end of each agenda item.
CC - City Council
\/IM/D - Waterworks District No. 8
IDA - Industrial Development Authority
PFFA - Simi Valley Public Facilities Financing Authority PFA- Public Financing Authority
SA - Successor Agency
LB - Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the CC, WWD, IDA, PFFA, PFA, SA, and/or LB after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA during normal business hours.
Minutes
1. 1A.
...
• l : .... ~ •
2 December 4, 2023
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors/Trustees Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair/President Pro Tern
Judge and Mayor/Chair/President Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
AGENDA REVIEW: None
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Litster m9ved that all resolutions and ordinances pre.~ented tonight be read in title only and all further reading be waived.
Council Mtimber/Director/Trustee Rhodes seconded the motion. (CC/WWD/PFFA/LB)
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair/President Pro Tern Judge, and
Mayor/Chair/President Thomas
. None
None
None
18. It is the policy. of.the City Council that upon reaching 11 :30 p.m., the City Council will not address any new agenda items. Should the City Council continue to address agenda items past 12:00 midnight, the following motion is in order:
1C.
10. 2.
. -
MOTION: Mov~ .t~a.t the City Council meeting tonight may extend beyond the midnight deadline to conclude the agenda (Section 2-1.106 SVMC).
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT: None
CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
(1) Presentation of a proclamation proclaiming December 10, 2023 as Human Rights Day (CC)"
Assistant City Manager Samantha Argabrite read and Mayor Thomas presented Brooke Graysen, Amy Cornaeu, Gena Quarantello, Cheryl Tsieprati, and members of Soroptimist International of Simi Valley with a proclamation declaring December 10, 2023 as Human Rights Day.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
Minutes 3 December 4, 2023
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Appointments of Mayor Pro Tern (CC/WWD/PFFA/LB)
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Cavanaugh moved to appoint City Council Member Rhodes to serve as Mayor Pro ·Tern. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair/President Pro Tern Judge, and
Mayor/Chair/President Thomas
None
None
None
38. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: None
3C. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
4A.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. John Lapper,. Simi Valley, CA, spoke about his advocacy for the City of Simi V~lley, in support of City Council meetings on ZOOM, requested emails to City Council be read at Council meetings, and in support of future Town hall meetings.
2. · Chris Hurwin, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about a safety issue with regards to how some trees are growing in the Sycamore· Plaza area.
3. Edgardo Galileo Rivas, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about an ongoing dispute he has with his apartment complex.
CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS: . .
Council Member Judge commented City Council will look into the safety concern raised by Chris Hurwin regarding the direction some trees are growing on Racine St.
Minutes
5. 5A.
4 December 4, 2023
Council Member Litster informed Mr. Rivas that she would email or send him a letter again. She recognized Mr. Lapper's request for Town halls, and she thanked Chris Hurwin for her diligence in making City Council aware of the trees OJJ Ra_cine St.
Mayor Pro Tem·Rhodes thanked Chris Hurwin for bringing the issue of the trees on Racine St. to the Council meeting, and he thanked Mr. Rivas for speaking.
Mayor Thomas _stated he will follow up on the concern raised by Chris Hurwin regarding the trees on Racine· St.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A public hearing to consider to consider City-initiated Municipal Code Amendments (Z-S- 2023-0006) to amend portions of Title 9 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code to· modify standards for residential off-street ·parking, front yard landscaping, rear yard vehicle access gates and screening: a determination that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act: and introduction of an ordinance (Perras) (CC)
Ordinance No. 1353 -AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY FOR CITY-INITIATED MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS (Z-S-2023- 0006) TO AMEND PORTIONS OF TITLE 9 OF THE SIMI VALLEY MUNICIPAL
CODE TO MODIFY STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL OFF-STREET PARKING,
FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING, REAR YARD VEHICLE ACCESS GATES AND SCREENING; AND A DETERMINATION THAT THE AMENDMENTS ARE EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Mayor Thomas opened the public portion of the hearing at 7:22 p.m.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Barbara Williamson, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to amending the Municipal Code standards for residential off-street parking and requested the issue be put on the 2024 ballot for a vote. Ms. Williamson questioned why the issue had not gone to the Neighborhood Councils.
2. John Lapper, SimiValley, CA, spoke in opposition to amending the Municipal Code standards for residential off-street parking and expressed the issue should have gone to the Neighborhood Councils.
3. Jim vyoods, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to amending the Municipal Code standards.for residential off-street parking. ·
/
Minutes 5 December 4, 2023
4. Jerry Placeres (no address given) spoke in support of residential off-street parking for recreational rehicles.
5. Richard Neff, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to recreational vehicles being parked in front yards due to safety concerns and property values.
6. Cameron Thompson, Simi Valley, CA, · spoke in opposition to amending the Municipal Code standards for residential off-street parking, ·and expressed the issue should have gone to Neighborhood Councils.
The following submitted a speaker card in opposition to a Municipal Code Amendment regarding off-street parking. but did not wish to speak:
1. Peter Means, Simi Valley CA
2. Susan Means, Simi Valley, CA
The following submitted a speaker card in support of a Municipal Code Amendment regarding off-street parking, but did not wish to speak: ·
1. Susan Fleczok, Simi Valley, CA
.'-~'
Mayor Thomas closed the public portion of the hearing at 7:49 p.m.
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Judge moved to introduce Ordinance No. 1353 amending portions of Title 9 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code (Z-S-2023-0006) to modify residential off-street parking standards, front yard landscaping, and rear yard vehicle access gates and screening; and a determination that the amendments are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair/President Pro Tern Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Director/Trustee Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Rhodes
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor/Chair/President Thomas
None
None
The motion failed.
Minutes 6 December 4, 2023
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Litster moved to introduce Ordinance No~ 1353 amending portions of Title 9 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code (Z-S-2023-0006) to modify residentia, off-street parking standards, front yard landscaping, and rear yard vehicle access gates and screening; with the amendment to allow an additional paving pad on the other side of the property if it does not take the landscaping below 50 percent, and ~ determination that the amendments are categorically· exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Council Member/Director/Trustee Cavanaugh seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair/President Pro Tern Rhodes, and
Mayor/Chair/President Thomas ·
None
· None
None
58. A public hearing to consider City-initiated Specific Plan Amendment {SP-S- 2023-0001) to amend the West End Specific Plan {WESP) to modify the land use matrix for commercial and industrial uses; update development standards for retail stores; a determination that the amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and introduction of an ordinance (Perros) (CC) Ordinance No. 1354 -AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY FOR CITY-INITIATED SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (SP-S-2023- 0001) TO AMEND THE WEST END SPECIFIC PLAN (WESP) TO MODIFY THE LAND USE MATRIX FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USES; UPDATE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR RETAIL STORES; AND A DETERMINATION
THAT THE AMENDMENTS ARE EXEMPT FROM ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Mayor Thomas opened the public portion of the hearing at 8:31 p.m.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Doug Felbinger, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of a City-initiated Plan Amendment to modify the land use matrix for commercial and industrial uses.
Mayor Thomas closed the public portion of the hearing at 8:34 pm.
Minutes
6. 7.
7 December 4, 2023
ACTION: Council Member/Directorrrrustee Cavanaugh moved to introduce Ordinance No. 1354 amending the West End Specific Plan (SP-S-2023-0001) with additional minor amendments to allow membership sports and recreation clubs in the Light Industrial (LI), General Industrial (GI), and Auto Industrial (Al) zones with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Gun Clubs in the Auto Industrial (Al) with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), and Shooting Ranges in the Auto lndustrial(AI) with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and determine that the amendments are exempt from additional environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act under the common sense exception within the CEQA Guidelines. Council Member/Directorrrrustee Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directorsrrrustees Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair/President Pro Tern Rhodes, and
Mayor/Chair/President Thomas
None
None
None
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS. APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(1) Approval of list of appointments made by the City Council to all regular and ongoing citizen boards. commissions. and committees {Maddy Act) (Blanco) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Recommendation for Waterworks District No. 8 to Opt-Out of the proposed Class Action Settlements for Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Products Liability Litigation (Fuchiwaki) (CC/WWD)
ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Adoption of a resolution awarding an agreement for professional consultant investment services - deferred compensation plans to Benefit Financial Services Group. LLC and authorize the City Manager to approve any subsequent contract extensions (Gutierres) (CC)
Minutes 8 December 4, 2023
Resolution No. 2023-47- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AUTHORIZING ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT WITH
BENEFIT FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, LLC FOR DEFERRED
COMPENSATION INVESTMENT SERVICES
ACTION: .. .-A~opted Resolution No. 2023-47.
(4) Adoption of a. resolution approving the 2024 City Council meeting schedule (Bl~nco) (CC)
Resolution No. 2023-48 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY ESTABLISHING THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR OF 2024
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-48.
(5) Adoption of a resolution accepting public improvements for Tract No. 6024, Located at 3039 East Cochran Street (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
Resolution No. 2023-49 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI· VALLEY ACCEPTING THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT NO. 6024, LOCATED AT 3039 EAST COCHRAN STREET
. . . .. - ~~·· ... :
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-49.
(6) Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute and file the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Transportation Development Act Claim for Local Transportation Fund Article 4, State Transit Assistance funds. and State of Good Repair funds with the Ventura County Transportation Commission and authorize the City Manager to approve future budget amendments related to the receipt of funds (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ·
Resolution No. 2023-50 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND FILING OF A
CLAIM WITH THE VENTURA COUNTY TRANSPORATION COMMISSION
(VCTC) FOR ALLOCATION OF TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
ACTION: · Adopted Resolution No. 2023-50.
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Cavanaugh moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 6. Council Member/Director/Trustee Judge seconded the motion.
Minutes
8. 9.
9A.
98. 10.
10A.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
9 December4,2023
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair/President Pro Tern Rhodes, and
Mayor/Chair/President Thomas
None
None
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Review and discussion of Community Projects Grant eligibility criteria (Perras) (CC) Council Members expressed their comments and concerns. It was by Council consensus to direct staff to make no changes to the eligibility criteria at this time.
Consideration of contract with Burke Williams & Sorensen for City Attorney and Legal Counsel services (Gabler) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Cavanaugh moved to approve the contract with Burke Williams & Sorensen for the provision of City Attorney and Legal Counsel Services. Council Member/Director/Trustee Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
REPORTS:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair/President Pro Tern Rhodes, and
Mayor/Chair/President Thomas ·
None
None
None
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes reported he attended the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District meeting, the Bridal Pa.th Homeowners Association meeting, the Simi Valley Town Center Tree Lighting, and he attended the Morning Rotary Club event at a Simi Valley Target store that was held to provide high school students in need with a $250.00 gift card. He reported he attended the Simi Valley Police. Foundation Touch a Truck Toy Drive, and the LA Kings lceoplex Ice Aren~ rebranding event.
Minutes 10 December 4, 2023
Council Member Litster reported she attended the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG). Administrative Committee meeting, the Simi Valley Town Center Tree Lighting, the Simi Valley Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Celebration, and a theater production at Rqyal High School. She reported she attended the Southern California Edison Government Advisory Panel (GAP) Regional meeting, the Simi Valley·Football Team Sendoff, the Simi Valley Community Christmas event, the Strathearn Historical Park Open House, and she recognized the Chanukah Holiday.
Council Member Cavanaugh reported she attended the Economic Development Collaborative Board (EDC) meeting, she commented that the Simi Valley Police Fc;>undation Re99gnition Dinner will be held on January ·12th, she attended the Simi Valley Police FQ:unc:JJ:;1Jion Touch A Truck Toy Drive, and she recognized the Chanukah Holiday. · · , ·.
Council · Member Judge reported he attended the Simi Valley Town Center Tree Lighting, the Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL) ad hoc Committee meeting, he assisted at the Senior Center Thanksgiving Eve dinner, he recognized the Thanksgiving Holiday, he attended the Sierra Northern/Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL) ad hoc Committee meeting and he attended a Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) meeting. He reported he participated in the Simi Valley Police Foundation Touch A Truck Toy Drive, he recognized the Simi Valley Football Team for winning their first CIF football title, he attended the LA Kings lceoplex Ice Arena rebranding event, and he recognized the Chanukah Holiday.
Mayor Thomas reported he attended a C Level Visit with the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce at Shiva Associates, he attended the Simi Valley Town Center Tree Lighting,. the Visit Simi Valley Tourism Committee meeting, the Simi Valley Police Foundation Touch A Truck Toy Drive, an Eagle Court of Honor event, and he attended the LA Kings lceoplex Ice Arena rebranding event.
1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items: None
Minutes 11 December 4, 2023
ADJOURNMENT : Mayor/Chair/President Thomas adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m. in memory of William James Gilmore and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, to the meeting of December 18, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation.
Fred D. Thomas , Mayor of the City of Simi
Valley, California, Chair of the Ventura
County Waterworks District No. 8, Simi
Valley Industrial Development Authority,
Simi Valley Public Facilities Financing
Authority, and President of the Simi Valley
Library Board of Trustees